Well folks, I seem to have developed some sort of new problem with my toes, the 2nd,3rrd, 4th and 5th toe on each foot to be exact. I'm not sure why but all of the 4 little toes on each foot have decided to become very rigid and are now shaped in a claw formation and boy oh boy do they hurt! I'm also getting alot of peripheral neuropathy (little shooting knife like pains in my toes).
All this is making me have alot of trouble walking on my feet these days, and I might have to learn how to walk on my hands soon iinstead lol.
I'm already wearing custom orthotics and only wearing really good running shoes for support. I'm also wearing really good hiking socks so that helps but only a little. I'm starting to suspect that I have developed Rheumatoid Arthritis in my toes as I am already Rheumatoid Factor positive. I'll see my rheumy in 3 weeks and get checked out to be certain, but anyone have any ideas about how to reduce the pain now?
I'm already on NSAIDs and doing warm foot baths and even getting my hubby to massage my toes (while I groan and scream). I'm also a bit underweight right now due to the chemo treatments keeping my weight good and low so its not like I need to lighten the load where that is concerned.
Any input would be sincerely appreciated.
Daisy
Daisy (I love your name!) - You sure have alot on your plate right now don't you?! I think going to the Rheumy is a great starting point. I hope you start to feel better!!
I googled and came up with Claw Toe. It said that it can occur with rheumatoid conditions, so your rheumy is a good place to start.
Daisy, Daisy, Daisy . . . no more new challenges for you to deal with! :(
Can you take any medicine like Advil or Aleve? Last week I saw a podiatrist to ask about the pain in my toes too (my RF is high), and she suggested either Advil or Aleve and to ice my foot to help reduce the inflammation there and I'm wearing this gel sock thingy she gave me.
I've got Raynaud's in my feet and hands so adding ice to already cold feet I don't think is going to work (I haven't tried it yet).
She did mention that some people get cortisone shots in their toes . . . ouch!
I don't know, it seems like you are doing all the right things - warm foot soaks, massage and NSAIDs. I'm sorry they still hurt.
I often get charlie horses in my feet . . do you? Those puppies hurt!
I wish the Rheumy could see you sooner and you didn't have to put up with the pain for another three weeks while you wait. :( If I find any other tips for you, I'll let you know.
Hugs,
Bucky
Hi Daisy,
I have this from my Stills disease, a form of RA. I agree, it is very painful.
Some days, I can get improvement by walking---excruciating at first, then it eases a bit.
After I sit to rest, they stiffen & hurt again, so I try to keep moving.
However, the fatigue stops me! This autoimmune stuff is crazy, isn't it.
Sometimes I put my feet on a hot water bottle & it feels great. I take Plaq, prednisone, headed for Enbrel.
Good luck, I wish I had more tips for you!
Susan, there are some little cycle-like two-pedal things that you could use when you are sitting. India Medico Instruments has one with the pedal that might flex your toes. Dr. Leonard's has a sitting stepper that looks perfect to keep your toes moving.
Sharon
Sharon,
Thank you so much for that tip!
My pleasure, Susan, and everyone else!
Sharon
I have pain in my toes too :-[ and it hurts alot I dont know why all of the sudden they started and I am finding that it hurts more everyday and I dont know how to ease the pain I cant take advil or aleve it will react to the meds that I am on the only thing that I can take is tylnel and that doesnt help. I have changed my shoes but that doesnt help either :-\ so if anyone has any ideas pls let me know
Lisa